Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This question isn't about and water turtles, but I know shell rot happens more often in aquatic species, so I was hoping everyone here would be able to help me out. On two of my three toed box turtles today, I noticed a few white spots on their shells, which are located along the edges of some of the scutes. This is expecially present on their plastron. Never having experienced any illnesses with my turtles, I am not sure if this is the begining of shell rot or not. I know my descritiion wasn't great, but can anybody tell me what they think? If you have pictures of a turtle with shell rot, I would be VERY greatful if you would post it for me to see. As I do not have a digital camera, I can't show you what I'm concerned about. I know that there is a lot of good info on the net, but does anyone know of any good books about turtle diseases/illnesses? Thanks everyone for you time.

Here is a site I pulled up on box turtes with shell rot and other illnesses-->http://boxturtlesite.org/heal.html
And here is the section on shell rot-->
Shell rot..
Check the turtle often for signs of shell rot. Shell rot is caused by fungus or bacteria. The bacteria that cause shell rot often enter small cuts or cracks in the plastron. Once under the keratin layer of the shell, bacteria begins to grow on the bone. Soon the keratin layer separates from the bone and a smelly, slick area of shell rot is exposed. The best way to prevent this is to clean and disinfect any cuts on the turtle’s shell. I regularly wash my turtles with chlorahexine cleanser. I apply triple antibiotic cream onto any cuts to shell and skin that appears to be infected. Also, the turtle's living area should be kept as clean as possible. All feces and uneaten food should be removed as soon as possible. The water should be changed daily. Don’t give bacteria a place to live and thrive.

Shell rot can be hard to detect in box turtles unless you inspect for it. If shell rot is found, a vigorous regimen of cleaning and medication is necessary. Remove any peeling keratin from the area. The thin keratin layer usually pops right off. What is exposed is bone with bacteria growing on it. Gently clean the area with dilute betadine or a chlorahexine cleanser and apply triple antibiotic cream to the area. Protect the area so it stays clean. Do this for several weeks until the bone has had a chance to calcify. The bone is a living, porous material and will heal and protect itself if given the opportunity. If the area of shell rot is large, the turtle should be taken to a reptile veterinarian for possible injectable antibiotics. Other diseases of the bone or blood can develop from shell rot.

Sorry if it's a little long but I tried to help..Here is a pic: Shell rot
Check the turtle often for signs of shell rot. Shell rot is caused by fungus or bacteria. The bacteria that cause shell rot often enter small cuts or cracks in the plastron. Once under the keratin layer of the shell, bacteria begins to grow on the bone. Soon the keratin layer separates from the bone and a smelly, slick area of shell rot is exposed. The best way to prevent this is to clean and disinfect any cuts on the turtle’s shell. I regularly wash my turtles with chlorahexine cleanser. I apply triple antibiotic cream onto any cuts to shell and skin that appears to be infected. Also, the turtle's living area should be kept as clean as possible. All feces and uneaten food should be removed as soon as possible. The water should be changed daily. Don’t give bacteria a place to live and thrive.

Shell rot can be hard to detect in box turtles unless you inspect for it. If shell rot is found, a vigorous regimen of cleaning and medication is necessary. Remove any peeling keratin from the area. The thin keratin layer usually pops right off. What is exposed is bone with bacteria growing on it. Gently clean the area with dilute betadine or a chlorahexine cleanser and apply triple antibiotic cream to the area. Protect the area so it stays clean. Do this for several weeks until the bone has had a chance to calcify. The bone is a living, porous material and will heal and protect itself if given the opportunity. If the area of shell rot is large, the turtle should be taken to a reptile veterinarian for possible injectable antibiotics. Other diseases of the bone or blood can develop from shell rot.

I hope I've helped and I'm sorry to hear about your turtle. Hope things pull through as well.. There is also a picture on that site w/a box turtle with shell rot.

Here is a site I pulled up on box turtles w/shell rot and other illnesses-->http://boxturtlesite.org/heal.html

Here is the section on shell rot:
Check the turtle often for signs of shell rot. Shell rot is caused by fungus or bacteria. The bacteria that cause shell rot often enter small cuts or cracks in the plastron. Once under the keratin layer of the shell, bacteria begins to grow on the bone. Soon the keratin layer separates from the bone and a smelly, slick area of shell rot is exposed. The best way to prevent this is to clean and disinfect any cuts on the turtle’s shell. I regularly wash my turtles with chlorahexine cleanser. I apply triple antibiotic cream onto any cuts to shell and skin that appears to be infected. Also, the turtle's living area should be kept as clean as possible. All feces and uneaten food should be removed as soon as possible. The water should be changed daily. Don’t give bacteria a place to live and thrive.

Shell rot can be hard to detect in box turtles unless you inspect for it. If shell rot is found, a vigorous regimen of cleaning and medication is necessary. Remove any peeling keratin from the area. The thin keratin layer usually pops right off. What is exposed is bone with bacteria growing on it. Gently clean the area with dilute betadine or a chlorahexine cleanser and apply triple antibiotic cream to the area. Protect the area so it stays clean. Do this for several weeks until the bone has had a chance to calcify. The bone is a living, porous material and will heal and protect itself if given the opportunity. If the area of shell rot is large, the turtle should be taken to a reptile veterinarian for possible injectable antibiotics. Other diseases of the bone or blood can develop from shell rot.

There is a picture on the site, also, with a turtle that has shell rot.

Hope of I've help and sorry it's a little long. Good luck with your turtle, too!